What Diseases Can Raccoons Carry?

by Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal Comment Closed
You can find raccoons in many city and suburban settings, but that doesn't mean they're safe to be around. These wild animals can pose a health risk. Even if a raccoon shows no signs of infection, many carry infectious diseases or parasites that can be transmitted to humans and animals. Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about diseases known to occur in raccoons. What Viruses, Bacteria and Parasites Do Raccoons Cause? Most people are aware that raccoons can carry rabies. These wild animals also shed a host of viruses, bacteria and parasites that can result in infections or diseases in people. Here are some of the most common health hazards caused by raccoons. Rabies Raccoons are known carriers of the dangerous rabies virus, an infection that causes brain inflammation and other disturbing symptoms. Rabies is easily transmitted via bite, scratch or even contact with saliva. Baylisascaris Procyonis, or Raccoon Roundworm This parasite is found in the intestines of many raccoons. The organism sheds a...
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Are Raccoons Dangerous?

by Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal Comment Closed
With fuzzy fur, distinctive mask-like features and bushy tails, raccoons look cute from a distance. This forest creature is a common sight in many neighborhoods and suburbs, but that doesn't make it friendly or safe. Raccoons can be dangerous in certain circumstances. Here are a few of the most common questions about the risks raccoons can pose to your home and family. Do Raccoons Attack Humans? In general, raccoons do not attack people. These naturally shy creatures prefer to flee if they sense humans. However, that fear can dwindle as they adapt to cities and suburbs. Raccoons are most dangerous to humans when they feel threatened or trapped or need to protect their young. Before attacking, raccoons may bluff or try to intimidate you. They might bear their teeth and claws, vocalize aggressively or even charge at you. Displays of aggression mean an attack is likely, so give raccoons a wide berth if you encounter one. Are Raccoons Dangerous to Pets? Raccoons can pose a risk to pets, especially...
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How to Tell if a Snake Is Venomous

by Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal Comment Closed
From coast to coast, venomous snakes live in diverse habitats throughout the United States. Though these snakes are usually solitary, they can sometimes creep onto your property or into your home, posing a significant hazard to you and your family. Learning how to identify venomous snakes can help you keep your household safe. If you spot one of these dangerous animals, you can take the necessary steps to remove it from your property and implement snake control to prevent them from returning. What Does Venomous Mean? Many animals produce venom, which they pass on to other living beings by biting or stinging. You might picture a snake when you think of venomous creatures, since some of these animals release a toxin when they bite. However, most snakes are not toxic, so understanding the difference is critical if you ever encounter one in the wild. Venomous vs. Poisonous You may have heard people use the words “poisonous” and “venomous” interchangeably. However, they are not synonymous. Poison...
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What to Do if You Have a Rat Infestation

by Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal Comment Closed
When dealing with a rat infestation the most likely culprits are non-native roof rats or Norway Rats(sewer rats); these small rodents often wreak havoc on your home, business and even vehicles. It's important to take action to prevent further damage to your property — and minimize the risk of disease transmission. At Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal LLC, we can help rid your property of these unwelcome guests. Check out these do's and don'ts for effectively dealing with a rodent infestation. Do's To prevent rats from taking up residence in your home or business, you can: Regularly inspect your property: Rats can get inside through the smallest openings. A good rule of thumb is: if your thumb fits, so will a rat. Check your property for potential holes and entry points. Seal entry points: If you find entry points, promptly seal them up using heavy and rodent resistant material (foam and plastic is not adequate). Keep food and water sources sealed: Rodents are attracted to water and...
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What Animal is Digging Holes in Your Yard?

by Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal Comment Closed
As a homeowner, the last thing you want is to wake up to mounds of sand and dirt plotted all over your yard. Small animals burrow in the ground, scurrying in tunnels and often ending up in your back or front yard. These pests can be hard to get rid of and may cause damage to your property and plants if you don't do something. We will explore a few animals known for being offenders in Texas, their physical characteristics, diet, activity and how to stop them. 1. Armadillos Although 21 different species of Armadillo have been identified, only one is found in the United States. The nine-banded armadillo calls Texas home and is at the top of our list of possible culprits who could be digging holes in your yard at night. Their characteristics include: Physical attributes: These pre-historic, strange-looking critters are identified by their elongated armored bodies and diamond-shaped heads. They are quite fast for small mammals with seemingly heavy bodies and short, stubby...
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What to Do if You Hear Scratching Noises in Your Home at Night

by Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal Comment Closed
Your home is your sanctuary — a retreat from the world where you should feel safe and secure. Unfortunately, many other animals may feel the same way. It can be scary to hear scratching noises in your walls, ceiling, garage or attic at night. In these situations, your imagination can be your worst enemy, as you picture every possible intruder and wonder how much damage they might do. In many instances, animals will invade in search of warmth, shelter, nourishment and a place to raise their babies. This guide will teach you to identify which pests you hear at night and what actions you should take. Why My Home? Before we dive into this guide, we want to answer a frequently asked question — why are wild animals in my home? They are looking for food and shelter. In addition to be a safe dry place, many things about humans' houses attract pests, including garbage cans, compost, pet food, food scraps, gutters, overgrown...
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What to Do if You Hear Scratching Noises in Your Home During the Day

by Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal Comment Closed
While many common pests that make noise in your ceiling, attic and walls are nocturnal, some are diurnal, meaning they're active during the day. When diurnal pests are active in your home, you might hear scratching in walls during the day or at dusk or dawn. It's important to know what to do if you hear scratching noises in your home during the day, and we've created this guide to help. Why Do I Have Pests? You may be wondering why your house has pests. Why did they target your home in particular and not your neighbors? There are several things that can attract pests to your home, such as: Bird Seed and Other Feeders: Food left out in the open attract unintended pests that can smell the food around your home. Garbage: Unsecured filled-up trash bags are a magnet for some pests. Overgrown garden: An overgrown lawn is an open invitation to pests that might then move from your garden into your...
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How to Protect Your Home From Wildlife In Winter

by Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal Comment Closed
Creatures in Texas do their best to stay warm when temperatures drop. It's easy to pity them when you're warm and cozy inside. Still, animals have undergone centuries of adaptations that help them survive harsh weather conditions, from migrating south for the winter to hibernating in a safe place. However, some animals forego these survival techniques and seek shelter from the cold in your warm, inviting home. Unfortunately, wildlife can cause many problems. If you've noticed any telltale signs of a wildlife infestation in your home, such as droppings, paw prints or strange noises at night, you may need to contact a wildlife removal service. If your home is wildlife-free, you can take a proactive approach and prevent future infestations. Why Animals Use Your Home for Shelter During Winter Animals have the same basic survival needs as we do — food, water and shelter. Most animals are more than capable of providing for themselves. Still, harsh conditions, like those we face in wintertime, can...
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Invasive Animal Species in Texas

by Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal Comment Closed
Texas is are home to a wide variety of animal species. While some species are native to the state, others are non-native, invasive species. These invasive species can significantly damage the environment, threaten native species and become a nuisance to homeowners. Similarly, although native species typically benefit the environment, they can damage property when they inhabit homes and businesses. What Is an Invasive Species? An invasive species is an organism that isn't native or indigenous to a specific area and is potentially harmful to that area. These species can harm an area's environment and economic health. A non-native species can be invasive or non-invasive, and it can arrive somewhere new accidentally or be introduced on purpose. For a non-native species to be invasive, it must behave in the following ways: Adapt to a new area quickly and easily Reproduce quickly Cause harm to the economy, native animals and plants or properties in the area How Are Invasive Species Harmful to the Environment? An invasive...
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Bat Infestations FAQs

by Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal Comment Closed
Bats are not as dangerous to humans as their reputation makes people believe. They are incredibly beneficial to the environment because they help control insect populations, and some species are great pollinators. However, despite their benefits, bats can be a nuisance if they roost in your home or business. Bats can cause structural damage to your house and pose health hazards. Bats are federally protected, so both the federal government and states have laws to protect them and ensure they are removed from homes and businesses safely. Removing bats on your own can be dangerous and pose health risks, but a professional can remove bats safely and legally. We created this guide with common bat FAQs to help you understand more about bat infestations. 1. Why Do Bats Appear So Suddenly During an Infestation? Bats may suddenly appear in the late spring and early fall when mothers deliver and raise their pups, as attics and other areas of the home make ideal warm, dry and empty spaces to nest. Bats also...
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